Transfer Student Advising

Academics
Biology
Students
Transfer Student Advising

Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for your interest in transferring into the CWU Biological Sciences Program. Please see the following list of frequently asked questions, but if you have further questions, please contact the department's main office at biology@cwu.edu or (509)963-2731.

Where do I start and who do I talk to?

In all cases, it is best to contact your assigned Academic Advisor even before transferring to CWU to make sure you have the classes you need to minimize time to graduation.

All transfer students interested in pursuing a Biology Major, with the exception of those focused on teaching (see below), begin the advising process by connecting with Lyss Endrich, the Academic Advisor for Biological Sciences. Please email them to set up an appointment. Their office is located in Science Building, Room 107C.

If you are interested in a health career but aren’t sure what field and corresponding coursework is right for you, please see the Health Career Resources website. There you will find resources that will assist you in with choosing a health career path, along with additional advising and contact information for specific health fields.

If you are interested in a career as a high school biology teacher, contact Ms. Rachel George, Academic Advisor for STEM Teaching. [email: Rachel.George@cwu.edu]

Please bring a copy of your transcripts along with the Office of the Registrar's evaluation of your credits to your initial advising meeting.

By the time I arrive at CWU, what courses should I have completed?

One year General Biology for science majors (with labs)
One year General Chemistry for science majors (with labs)
Math thru Pre-Calculus

For CWU transfer equivalencies from Community Colleges, see these pages:

Biology, B.A. Transfer Map

Biology, B.S. Transfer Map

How will my classes transfer?

Check out Transfer Course Equivalencies.

What if I am still thinking about transferring to CWU?

Refer to the Transfer Admission Criteria for CWU admission requirements, located on the Office of the Registrar's website.

What major should I pursue?

Research the Biology Majors and Minor listed on the Biology Advising webpage (also located in the CWU Undergraduate Catalog). If you are interested in pursuing a health career, research CWU’s pre-health programs on the Health Career Resources website. You can also contact CWU Biology faculty to ask about the differences between the major specializations, biology coursework within the specializations, research opportunities, and how they match to your career aspirations. Please see the Advising Drop-In Schedule (updated quarterly) for student help and advising hours to connect with the designated Biology Major Advisor once you are admitted to the major.

What jobs/careers are available with this degree?

Common careers held by biology majors include research and development, healthcare, biomedical fields, organismal and ecology fields, biotechnology, bioinformatics, science education and communication, legislative and legal work, and science-related business and industry

Biological Sciences "What Can I Do With This Major?" (University of Tennessee Career Services)

What is the schedule, modality, and cost of attending CWU?

Currently, the Biology programs can only be completed in-person on the Ellensburg campus.
CWU cost of attendance (COA) provides the estimated costs of tuition, fees, room & board, books & supplies, a transportation allowance, and a personal expense allowance.

Net Price Calculator